Effects of Brain Beta-Amyloid on Postoperative Cognition

Effects of Brain Beta-Amyloid on Postoperative Cognition

Overall Status:

Recruiting

Brief Description:

This study will test the hypothesis that the presence of beta-amyloid plaques in the brain--a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease--in non-demented older patients increases the likelihood of cognitive decline after scheduled hip or knee replacement surgery.

Patient Qualifications:

Min Age

Max Age

Gender

Healthy Volunteers

65 Years

N/A

Both

No

Inclusion Criteria:

Scheduled for total knee or hip replacement with anticipated hospital stay

English speaking

Regular visits from an individual willing to provide information about the patient's cognitive status

Received an investigational medication under an FDA investigational new drug study within the last 30 days; received a radiopharmaceutical for imaging or therapy within 24 hours before this study's imaging session

Detailed Description:

Cognitive decline after surgery affects up to half of all noncardiac surgical patients who are 65 years old or older. This study will test the hypothesis that the presence of beta-amyloid plaques in the brain--a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease--in non-demented older patients increases the likelihood of cognitive decline after scheduled hip or knee replacement surgery. All participants will undergo neurocognitive assessment, heart rate variability measurement, and blood draws for genetic and inflammatory markers. The treatment group will also undergo a PET brain imaging scan with florbetapir F18 (18F-AV-45), an imaging agent; the control group will not.